While PFMA monitors a multitude of proposed legislation, it focuses on certain priorities at the national and state level.
For a comprehensive list of legislation that PFMA is tracking, please visit the Issues page.
Federal Priorities
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Payment Processing Reform
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Inflation
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Illicit Trade / Organized Retail Crime
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Transportation and Infrastructure
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Regulatory Reform
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Labor/Workforce Issues
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Pharmacy Reform
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Food and Nutrition Support
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Tobacco Policy
PFMA is working with national partners to reform the nation’s credit payment processing system, which is currently dominated by an effective monopoly of two companies that impose unjustifiable swipe fee charges and engage in other anti-competitive behavior. PFMA understands credit card swipe fees are near the top of the list of recurring business expenses, and because there is no real competition between the two largest processing networks, businesses are powerless to combat rising fees, unfair treatment and a lack of innovation.
Working to curb inflation is a priority for PFMA. Efforts at the federal level on this front include promoting domestic energy production, pushing for “breathing room” on cost-drivers such as tax increases and burdensome regulations, advocating for policies to ease supply chain disruptions and supporting efforts to help customers through food assistance and other programs.
While PFMA is focused on tackling illicit trade at the state and local level, we also support federal work on this issue both on policy reforms and efforts to enforce current law. When possible and appropriate PFMA is committed to assisting national law enforcement on this issue and others including cybersecurity and fraud.
PFMA members rely heavily on a transportation network that is safe, reliable and fast. Complementing our focus on state infrastructure development, we also are prioritizing work to promote good policy at the federal level.
PFMA supports efforts to reform and streamline the regulatory landscape on the federal level. In particular, PFMA supports the creation and establishment of CBD regulations to provide clarity for retailers and consumers for the production, distribution and sale of these products in the United States.
PFMA is prioritizing advocacy on federal labor issues including overtime, employee non-competes, OSHA walkarounds, and joint employer standards. In addition, the association believes its members are best equipped to make decisions regarding policies such as compensation, paid and unpaid leave for their employees.
Despite progress at the state level, fundamental reform of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is required at the federal level. Anticompetitive practices by PBMs are driving grocery pharmacies out of business and items like Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) reform, a ban on spread pricing, and increased PBM oversight and transparency measures are critical to prevent this vital source of healthcare access from continuing to diminish.
With many food assistance programs funded and governed at the federal level, PFMA recognizes the importance of focusing advocacy on this issue toward Congress, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, and the Farm Bill. In addition to safeguarding funding for programs like SNAP, priorities for the association include protecting consumer choice and making sure programs do not stagnate by consistently improving and adding enhancements like online access.
PFMA opposes an outright ban on all vapor/e-cigarette products and flavors and, instead, supports regulating and restricting the sale of the products to those over 21 years of age. PFMA believes restrictions on flavors and types of tobacco products will simply drive sales of these products underground to an illegal, unsafe black market, exacerbating crime and public health challenges rather than easing them.
Payment Processing Reform
PFMA is working with national partners to reform the nation’s credit payment processing system, which is currently dominated by an effective monopoly of two companies that impose unjustifiable swipe fee charges and engage in other anti-competitive behavior. PFMA understands credit card swipe fees are near the top of the list of recurring business expenses, and because there is no real competition between the two largest processing networks, businesses are powerless to combat rising fees, unfair treatment and a lack of innovation.
Inflation
Working to curb inflation is a priority for PFMA. Efforts at the federal level on this front include promoting domestic energy production, pushing for “breathing room” on cost-drivers such as tax increases and burdensome regulations, advocating for policies to ease supply chain disruptions and supporting efforts to help customers through food assistance and other programs.
Illicit Trade / Organized Retail Crime
While PFMA is focused on tackling illicit trade at the state and local level, we also support federal work on this issue both on policy reforms and efforts to enforce current law. When possible and appropriate PFMA is committed to assisting national law enforcement on this issue and others including cybersecurity and fraud.
Transportation and Infrastructure
PFMA members rely heavily on a transportation network that is safe, reliable and fast. Complementing our focus on state infrastructure development, we also are prioritizing work to promote good policy at the federal level.
Regulatory Reform
PFMA supports efforts to reform and streamline the regulatory landscape on the federal level. In particular, PFMA supports the creation and establishment of CBD regulations to provide clarity for retailers and consumers for the production, distribution and sale of these products in the United States.
Labor/Workforce Issues
PFMA is prioritizing advocacy on federal labor issues including overtime, employee non-competes, OSHA walkarounds, and joint employer standards. In addition, the association believes its members are best equipped to make decisions regarding policies such as compensation, paid and unpaid leave for their employees.
Pharmacy Reform
Despite progress at the state level, fundamental reform of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is required at the federal level. Anticompetitive practices by PBMs are driving grocery pharmacies out of business and items like Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) reform, a ban on spread pricing, and increased PBM oversight and transparency measures are critical to prevent this vital source of healthcare access from continuing to diminish.
Food and Nutrition Support
With many food assistance programs funded and governed at the federal level, PFMA recognizes the importance of focusing advocacy on this issue toward Congress, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, and the Farm Bill. In addition to safeguarding funding for programs like SNAP, priorities for the association include protecting consumer choice and making sure programs do not stagnate by consistently improving and adding enhancements like online access.
Tobacco Policy
PFMA opposes an outright ban on all vapor/e-cigarette products and flavors and, instead, supports regulating and restricting the sale of the products to those over 21 years of age. PFMA believes restrictions on flavors and types of tobacco products will simply drive sales of these products underground to an illegal, unsafe black market, exacerbating crime and public health challenges rather than easing them.
State Priorities
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Taxation
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Regulatory Reform
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Fair and Safe Marketplaces
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Food Assistance
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Alcohol Policy
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Transportation and Infrastructure
-
Illicit Trade / Organized Retail Crime
-
Workforce Development / Job Creation
-
Industry Opportunities
PFMA will continue to push for improvements to Pennsylvania’s business climate. PFMA’s role cuts both ways on this issue, working to promote tax law that encourages growth and expansion while also educating lawmakers on the drawbacks and risks of tax policies we believe are misguided.
· PFMA supports legislation to exempt sales tax from being subject to credit card interchange fees. Last session Rep. Greg Scott (D-Montgomery) introduced HB 2394 on this issue.
· PFMA supports proposals to expand the current cap on the Sales and Use Tax Vendor Discount, which offers a small reduction in the amount of taxes owed by businesses that collect and remit sales tax to the state in a timely manner. This session Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester) and Sen. Kristen Phillips-Hill (R-York) are spearheading this issue. In the House legislation has been introduced as HB 315, and in the Senate as SB 473.
PFMA supports efforts to reform and streamline regulations at the state level. Pennsylvania’s food supply chain works best when the regulatory landscape makes sense and is easy to navigate. While advocating for improvements to liquor, gaming, labor, food safety, environmental and labor regulations, among others, PFMA also will push back on regulatory changes that do not serve the best interests of the food industry.
PFMA believes its members should be able to engage in the sale of products on an equal footing with others in the market. Equally, customers should be able to trust that the products they choose to buy from retailers, including PFMA members, are genuine, secure, and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
· As lawmakers contemplate the regulation of games of skill, PFMA’s priority in this context is ensuring member businesses have the opportunity to participate on a level playing field if they choose to enter the marketplace.
· With the possibility of legalizing recreational cannabis, the association is also prioritizing a level playing field for competitors, as well as highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks governing the safe sale of marijuana and related products such as Delta-8.
· To control the proliferation of dangerous and illicit products, PFMA supports the creation of a list of approved Electronic Nicotine Delivery System products allowed for sale in Pennsylvania. Legislation establishing such a directory has been introduced as HB 1425.
PFMA strongly believes in the value of food assistance and is heavily involved in both the state’s SNAP and WIC programs, representing the industry on key committees and work groups and maintaining an open line of communication between federal and state agencies and member businesses. Continuing a smooth transition to online WIC is a key priority for the association in 2025, as are the following:
· Ensuring the state maintains its commitment to providing robust financial and administrative support for SNAP and WIC.
· Streamlining the state’s SNAP distribution schedule. HB 749 by Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin) would require the state Department of Human Services to study the feasibility of changes to PA’s SNAP distribution schedule. SB 85 by Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) would require DHS to adopt a uniform statewide distribution schedule.
· Establish a statewide program to incentivize the purchase of healthy food by SNAP recipients. Legislation has been introduced as HB 1096 by Rep. Eddie Pashinski (D-Luzerne).
· Bipartisan legislation introduced as HB 615 by Representative Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) would strengthen immunity language for donating food that is safe to consume but past its recommended date label.
PFMA is prioritizing the following proposals that would improve the alcohol sales landscape for our members:
· Register legislation – Introduced as SB 765 by Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair), would allow restaurant licensees with a wine expanded permit the ability to sell wine and beer at any register, require ID card readers at these registers, and permit a sales clerk under 18 to operate these registers except when alcohol would be purchased. If alcohol is to be purchased, an employee 18 or over would then operate the register. In addition, the bill allows customers to access beer and wine within the main store area.
· Delivery legislation – Introduced as HB 1451 Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler), would authorize beer and wine delivery from local licensees by a WEP holder or licensed third-party facilitator.
PFMA members rely heavily on a transportation network that is safe, reliable and fast. The association is focused on ensuring PennDOT, PEMA and other state partners understand this and are making the appropriate investments to ensure a consistently dependable system of roads, bridges, rail lines and ports. We are intent on making sure the business community, particularly the food industry, is not unfairly targeted as a means to pay for needed investments, through tolling or similar means.
· The association is focused on the development of the state’s EV charging network and ensuring that the private sector plays a strong role in the final product.
Retail crime and illicit trade remain a key concern for PFMA member businesses.
· Following the successful passage of a state-level INFORM Act in 2022 and organized retail crime legislation in 2023, PFMA is closely monitoring the impacts of these policies to determine their efficacy and the possible need for further changes or refinements to Pennsylvania law.
· The association is working to secure continued levels of funding for the state Office of Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Unit.
· PFMA also understands the serious nature of cybersecurity, data privacy, fraud and other hazards of doing business in the 21st century and is committed to ensuring the industry has input in the development of policies dealing with these issues.
Hiring and retaining workers has been an enormous challenge for PFMA members in recent years. Businesses in the food industry straddle a variety of staffing disciplines, including front-facing retail employees, back office administrative and logistics staff, warehouse workers and truck drivers, each featuring its own unique hiring guidelines and requirements. PFMA believes minimizing obstacles and giving businesses the agility to keep up with a constantly evolving talent pool is crucial both for a healthy industry and a healthy labor force. The association also supports efforts to ensure opportunities for citizens returning to the workforce.
Including those specified above, PFMA maintains a portfolio of key issues that represent opportunities for food wholesalers, retailers, suppliers and others in the industry to grow and thrive. PFMA staff are in routine communication with members of the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office, acting as the voice of the industry to advance these opportunities through legislation and policy.
Taxation
PFMA will continue to push for improvements to Pennsylvania’s business climate. PFMA’s role cuts both ways on this issue, working to promote tax law that encourages growth and expansion while also educating lawmakers on the drawbacks and risks of tax policies we believe are misguided.
· PFMA supports legislation to exempt sales tax from being subject to credit card interchange fees. Last session Rep. Greg Scott (D-Montgomery) introduced HB 2394 on this issue.
· PFMA supports proposals to expand the current cap on the Sales and Use Tax Vendor Discount, which offers a small reduction in the amount of taxes owed by businesses that collect and remit sales tax to the state in a timely manner. This session Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester) and Sen. Kristen Phillips-Hill (R-York) are spearheading this issue. In the House legislation has been introduced as HB 315, and in the Senate as SB 473.
Regulatory Reform
PFMA supports efforts to reform and streamline regulations at the state level. Pennsylvania’s food supply chain works best when the regulatory landscape makes sense and is easy to navigate. While advocating for improvements to liquor, gaming, labor, food safety, environmental and labor regulations, among others, PFMA also will push back on regulatory changes that do not serve the best interests of the food industry.
Fair and Safe Marketplaces
PFMA believes its members should be able to engage in the sale of products on an equal footing with others in the market. Equally, customers should be able to trust that the products they choose to buy from retailers, including PFMA members, are genuine, secure, and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
· As lawmakers contemplate the regulation of games of skill, PFMA’s priority in this context is ensuring member businesses have the opportunity to participate on a level playing field if they choose to enter the marketplace.
· With the possibility of legalizing recreational cannabis, the association is also prioritizing a level playing field for competitors, as well as highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks governing the safe sale of marijuana and related products such as Delta-8.
· To control the proliferation of dangerous and illicit products, PFMA supports the creation of a list of approved Electronic Nicotine Delivery System products allowed for sale in Pennsylvania. Legislation establishing such a directory has been introduced as HB 1425.
Food Assistance
PFMA strongly believes in the value of food assistance and is heavily involved in both the state’s SNAP and WIC programs, representing the industry on key committees and work groups and maintaining an open line of communication between federal and state agencies and member businesses. Continuing a smooth transition to online WIC is a key priority for the association in 2025, as are the following:
· Ensuring the state maintains its commitment to providing robust financial and administrative support for SNAP and WIC.
· Streamlining the state’s SNAP distribution schedule. HB 749 by Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin) would require the state Department of Human Services to study the feasibility of changes to PA’s SNAP distribution schedule. SB 85 by Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) would require DHS to adopt a uniform statewide distribution schedule.
· Establish a statewide program to incentivize the purchase of healthy food by SNAP recipients. Legislation has been introduced as HB 1096 by Rep. Eddie Pashinski (D-Luzerne).
· Bipartisan legislation introduced as HB 615 by Representative Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) would strengthen immunity language for donating food that is safe to consume but past its recommended date label.
Alcohol Policy
PFMA is prioritizing the following proposals that would improve the alcohol sales landscape for our members:
· Register legislation – Introduced as SB 765 by Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair), would allow restaurant licensees with a wine expanded permit the ability to sell wine and beer at any register, require ID card readers at these registers, and permit a sales clerk under 18 to operate these registers except when alcohol would be purchased. If alcohol is to be purchased, an employee 18 or over would then operate the register. In addition, the bill allows customers to access beer and wine within the main store area.
· Delivery legislation – Introduced as HB 1451 Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler), would authorize beer and wine delivery from local licensees by a WEP holder or licensed third-party facilitator.
Transportation and Infrastructure
PFMA members rely heavily on a transportation network that is safe, reliable and fast. The association is focused on ensuring PennDOT, PEMA and other state partners understand this and are making the appropriate investments to ensure a consistently dependable system of roads, bridges, rail lines and ports. We are intent on making sure the business community, particularly the food industry, is not unfairly targeted as a means to pay for needed investments, through tolling or similar means.
· The association is focused on the development of the state’s EV charging network and ensuring that the private sector plays a strong role in the final product.
Illicit Trade / Organized Retail Crime
Retail crime and illicit trade remain a key concern for PFMA member businesses.
· Following the successful passage of a state-level INFORM Act in 2022 and organized retail crime legislation in 2023, PFMA is closely monitoring the impacts of these policies to determine their efficacy and the possible need for further changes or refinements to Pennsylvania law.
· The association is working to secure continued levels of funding for the state Office of Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Unit.
· PFMA also understands the serious nature of cybersecurity, data privacy, fraud and other hazards of doing business in the 21st century and is committed to ensuring the industry has input in the development of policies dealing with these issues.
Workforce Development / Job Creation
Hiring and retaining workers has been an enormous challenge for PFMA members in recent years. Businesses in the food industry straddle a variety of staffing disciplines, including front-facing retail employees, back office administrative and logistics staff, warehouse workers and truck drivers, each featuring its own unique hiring guidelines and requirements. PFMA believes minimizing obstacles and giving businesses the agility to keep up with a constantly evolving talent pool is crucial both for a healthy industry and a healthy labor force. The association also supports efforts to ensure opportunities for citizens returning to the workforce.
Industry Opportunities
Including those specified above, PFMA maintains a portfolio of key issues that represent opportunities for food wholesalers, retailers, suppliers and others in the industry to grow and thrive. PFMA staff are in routine communication with members of the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office, acting as the voice of the industry to advance these opportunities through legislation and policy.
